🏕 What I Pack for a One-Night Backpacking Trip in Washington (Summer Edition)

There’s something magical about escaping into the mountains for just one night. No big planning, no week-long commitment—just a quick hit of fresh air, stars, and much needed trail time. I’ve dialed in my packing list over the years to keep it light, simple, and totally doable when I’m solo or with my kids in tow. Here’s what actually goes in my pack for a One-Night Backpacking Trip inWashington state—plus the gear I’d skip next time.

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🎒 Pack + Shelter

• Backpack – I have used the Osprey Tempest 40L for years. 40L is small but I like a smaller pack because it forces me to pack less and really consider if what I am packing in necessary. Comfortable, supportive, and fits everything without being overkill.
• Tent – I use the Big Agnes Copper Spur 2-person tent because it’s just big enough for just me with some room for my gear and is lightweight. And it is SO easy to set up by myself, even when it’s getting dark, raining or windy.
• Sleeping pad – My Nemo Tensor is honestly the real MVP for sleep comfort. I also always bring a NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad as a backup just in case. (and a seat) I had a mattress fail on me while I was in the Enchantments and it was miserable. I woke up every hour to re inflate it.
• Sleeping bag – I bring my Mountain Hardware Bishops Pass 0-degree bag in summer since mountain nights still dip into the 40s. Its probably overkill but I like to stay warm and toasty. And I would say it my my FAVORITE piece of gear I own. Not only due to the warmth but it is so SOFT!

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🧢 Clothing

The key is to pack light here, but smart—Washington weather loves to surprise you.

• Base layers – Try not to wear cotton, it doesn’t wick away moisture and can result in being cold. Merino wool or synthetic shirt base layer is the best. I tend to wear a synthetic tank top and wear either a sun hoodie or a sun protection button down.
• Insulation – Puffy jacket, always. Even in August.
• Rain shell – Never leave home without it. Ever. You just never know. I love this one.
• One pair of extra socks and underwear – Always wool socks, never cotton. Darn Tough for the win. They last FOREVER, better than any others I have ever owned.
• Trail runners or lightweight boots – for me it depends on how much ankle support I think I am going to need but I almost ALWAYS opt for my La Sportiva trail runners. But if I do wear boots, I love these which I have owned 5 pairs in the last 5 years: Nucleo High II GTX Hiking Boots (I am a true La Sportiva fan!)

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🍳 Food + Cooking

• Stove – MSR Pocket rocket is my go-to: lightweight, reliable, and fast.
• Fuel + lighter – packing a lighter as a backup is always a must.
• Cook pot + spork + bowl – I love this pot from Sea to Summit. I can fit my stove, fuel, spork + bowl into it.
• Bear hang or canister – I typically use the smaller BearVault for short trips. Even though bear canisters are a bit bulky, I prefer them to a bear hang because nothing inside them gets crushed. (and lets be honest sometimes hanging your bag isn’t the easiest.
• Food – I keep it super simple. For more detailed info on food and food planning you might be interested in this >> Backpacking Meal Planning Made Easy

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💧 Water

• Filter – I use a 3L gravity filter from LifeStraw—perfect for basecamp-style trips and easy to fill near lakes or streams.
• Another great option is a Smart water bottle paired with this mini filter by Sawyer.
• Water bottle or bladder if you prefer. I typically pack (2) Nalgene bottles. I keep it old school.

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🧰 Safety + Essentials

These are the essentials that I would never hit the trail without. (Even on a day hike) And they definitely ALWAYS come with me when I pack for a one-night backpacking trip.

• Headlamp + extra battery – Our family loves these by Black Diamond. We all have one in a different color. Helps us keep track of them.
• First aid kit – I have made my own but also recommend this one available at REI.
• Garmin InReach Mini – I bring it on every solo trip. Peace of mind for me and everyone at home. And if you want you can text your loved ones good night. (its a ritual I have)
• Leatherman multitool – It’s come in handy more times than I can count.
• Map + compass or GPS app downloaded offline
• Toiletries + trowel (don’t forget a ziplock for TP/waste!) This is my go to poop shovel.

If you are looking for some tips on Hygiene Practices in the backcountry, you might be interested in reading this >> Backcountry Hygiene: Staying Clean(ish) on the Trail

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🎒 What I Left Behind (and Didn’t Miss – or maybe I did)

• Camp chair (I sit on my bear canister) – this is one I just wish I could justify. I am always envious when I see it out on the trail.
• Multiple changes of clothes – this one is easy to do.
• Extra cooking stuff (one pot = enough!)

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☀️ The Bottom Line

What to pack for a One-Night Backpacking Trip is all about balance: just enough to stay warm, dry, and well-fed—but not so much that you’re breaking your back. This list keeps things simple and stress-free.

Got a favorite one-nighter or must-pack item I missed?

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